​As in many cases in the history of music, as one band ends another begins. In 2002, in a small northern Italian town not far from Cremona, the disbanding of the death metal band Phoneutria resulted in the formation of Pulvis et Umbra. The band started as a heavy/power metal act, then by 2004 transformed into a more extreme thrash/death metal band. While it did not start out that way, Pulvis et Umbra is now a one man band run by Damy Mojitodka.

​Until recently Damy was signed with Pavement Entertainment under a digital distribution contract; however, that partnership expired in September 2015 leaving the band without a label. Undeterred by the loss of his label, Damy continues on as an independent act. Damy made the choice to become a solo act because, “… the other former members never shared the same passion as I did and could not sacrifice the time and energy necessary to make the band a success. Also, I was the only one who ever invested money in the project…” When recording, Damy plays all instruments and does all the vocals. However, when performing live he uses session musicians. The session musicians are: Mirko Costa, guitar (Evil Clutch, Falling Dice); Giulio Capitelli, guitar (Furyu, ex Cinere Resurgo); Riccardo Grechi, drums (Across The Swarm, Furyu, ex Reason Behind). Damy attributes this amazing live lineup with the successful tour of Russia, Switzerland, and Germany between March and May of this year.

Pulvis et Umbra has had four releases to date: two EP's - Qui ValetHic Mundus, Quid Gloria, Quidve Triumphus Post Miserum Fonus… (2006) and Pure Longobard Noize (2007); two full length albums – Reaching The End (2012) and Implosion Of Pain (2014). It has taken some adjustment since the splitting of ways with his record label, but Damy stays optimistic. “I think that a DIY release works well if the band has experience as well as some good press,” explains Mojitodka, “I can say that a booking management works 300% better than a record label with 1/10 of the costs.” The experience is there; however, Damy admits there have been a few mixed reviews on his previous works because it is difficult to make out his lyrics (even with a lyric video). Still, Pulvis et Umbra would rather stay forever in the underground music scene and hold on to its integrity as opposed to selling out to be mixed into mainstream metal.

There are a few tour dates for Spain in December, and big things are already in store for the band in the coming year. Pulvis et Umbra has already landed a spot on the bill for Witchfest 2016. Damy and his session musicians will be performing at this monster of a concert, being held in Johannesburg, South Africa, alongside some killer bands. Some of which include Behemoth, The Haunted, Skinned, Konkhra, Krisiun, Cattle Decapitation, Rotting Christ, and At The Gates among others. “It will surely be a major step for the career of the band!” exclaims Damy. Also in the works is a new album, tentatively called Atmosfear and scheduled to be released at the end of 2016 or early 2017. The guys are hopeful for a world tour, as they are excited to finally be able to meet their overseas fans in the United States and South America.

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